Whirlwind Winter

I wish my title referred to a real winter. Somewhere in the mountains, tucked away in a cozy cabin, sipping on some vanilla roast, while being completely snowed in and having nothing better to do than write. Instead, I'm in a comfy shirt I stole from my boyfriend, sitting on the couch on this sunny, 32-degree day (with no snow), while sipping on Eight O'Clock hazelnut while catching up on NCIS. I know, not as wintery as I had hoped either.

I often have reminders pop up on my phone (thank you, Siri) purposely telling me to post photos, write in my journal, post something on my blog or make plans with friends. Once I leave work, or have some time to myself, like today, I feel like my mind needs to just slow down and relax. So my writings, plans and reminders often go untouched. But now, I'm here. I'm answering emails, posting photos and writing on my blog.

Go me! But really, let's do a little catching up on life. 

I feel like January flew in here and is soon to be flying out. Let's rewind to the holidays. They came and went. I feel like as I grow older, the holidays change with each year. Now I care more for giving than receiving. Now I long for more memories than the actual holidays themselves. It was two days full of lots of noise, relaxing and family all over the place. As much as I loved those 48 hours, it was nice to go back to work.

Speaking of work...what a busy place. People everywhere, all the time. The holidays were a mad house and I felt like I was going non-stop. I truly love it though. Crazy hours, amazing people and getting to meet new people every day is one awesome gift I am blessed to call my job.

Once Christmas was over, my man came down to Tennessee to ring in the new year with me. It was truly a blessing. I was disappointed we didn't get to spend Christmas together, but New Year's came and so did some new traditions for us. We now agreed to spend every New Year's Eve just us, order a pizza and ring in the new year like that. No big party or large groups....just the two of us. We also exchanged Christmas gifts then, but I'm not sure if that's a tradition that will stay.

This month is almost over and I am finally posting on my blog. Between work, my personal life, serving and trying to find time to do the things I want to do, I feel like I'm being pulled one-hundred different ways. But I wouldn't have it any other way, and I've never been happier. So for now, I'll enjoy this whirlwind and talk to you soon.

Unfaithful

Dear Abandoned and Forgotten Blog of Mine:

I'm sorry it's been so long. I've truly had good intentions, but my time and attention have been spent elsewhere. I feel terrible for admitting it, but it's true. As much as I love you and enjoy you, others have grabbed me and pulled me in. For one, there's this job. I love it, but it has taken up quite a bit of my time. It's crazy busy and is running my body into the ground, but I love it. There's also this person named Alexander. He's pretty amazing and although I have no time already, he seems to take up any extra that I have to spare. He talks to me about God and pushes me to Christ. He makes my life easier and sometimes I tell him things I'd normally rant on here. 

I'm sorry I've put you on the back-burner, but I am here and I have returned. I promise never to leave you again...unless I create a brand new blog in 2013. 

Thank you for welcoming me back with open arms.

Love,

Abbey Grace

Wordless Wednesday

I'm starting a new tradition on the blog and would love for you to be a part of it.

Every Wednesday I am going to post a photo that truly makes me speechless. I want you to take the opportunity to share what you think when you see it. You can share a thought, scripture, or a caption and comment in the area below!

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments! I'll share mine at the bottom of each photo!

Speak your mind!

Photo credit.

When I look at this photo, I see a God who is more beautiful and bigger than I can even grasp. He loves us all so much and pours out blessings that are like this sky: beautiful, and of nothing that man can create. He is a beautiful, glorious, wonderful God.

He is Able

All summer this was poured into me...God is able.

The song, "God is Able" and the truth that Ephesians 3:20-21 speaks:

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 

according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

I sang it over and over. I talked about it to children over and over. I knew what it said by heart and believed wholeheartedly that it's true. I'd tell people things of God all the time...how he is able to cure sickness, mend relationships and provide even in the hardest of times. I spoke and encouraged, knowing that my God can do all of these things. 

When I got home from the summer, life hit really hard. Reality checked in instantly and my camp "bubble" was soon gone. I was putting my own words to the test.

Can God really heal this pain in my heart?

Can I really trust God to take over this worry?

How can I lean on him and not doubt his ability?

Will my God truly never fail me?

God began to work and show me that he truly can do so much more for us than we can every really grasp. He began to handle and take over my problems. He began to show me more of how I can really trust him and depend on him. I saw him working and saw the blessings of peace and joy that came in trusting him and giving him my all.

But, there was one aspect of my life where I had given to God, I never truly believed and trusted in the fact that he could actually do it and give me what I wanted. He revealed this in the most marvelous way. I haven't had a boyfriend in years because I haven't felt led to be with someone.  I left the summer with the biggest shock and surprise. It was truly more than I could have ever asked for. God gave me someone. I was blessed enough to spend the summer getting to know this person and his heart for the Lord. From the day I met him, I knew there was something different about him, but I ignored it completely and just prayed that God would bless a friendship between us. Over the summer, we became close friends and I was so thankful for that. When the summer ended it broke my heart to think that we would have to say goodbye. His goodbye was the hardest, and I had no idea why. Once I was home, God showed me that he was surely different, as I had suspected all summer. And he started to show me why. This man is wonderful. He loves the Lord in an amazing way, and by his grace, God has seen reason to put us together and I could not be more blessed. 

Through this amazing man and God's incredible grace and love, I've seen how God truly is able. I had no faith that God would actually bring a man into my life that was everything I wanted, and more. To my shock and surprise, I am humbled by what He's blessed me with and amazed at what He is doing. I can't praise him enough for this wonderful relationship, but more so, for who He is. 

Our God is good and He is good all the time,

but more than that...

God is able.

Trust him where you have no faith and He will change your life.

Shipwrecked

Needless to say,
being home since the summer I had has been nothing short of interesting.

From random road trips to a new relationship, I feel like I've been throw about at sea.
My emotions are like a roller coaster. They go up and down often.
My heart is open yet guarded. I have to carefully watch what comes in and goes out.
My life is being changed day by day, and it amazes me at every moment.

I feel like a sailor lost at sea.
And now, I actually am.
I'm tucked away in the most cozy beach house on Rosemary Beach.

Today is my first full day here and it's gloomy like no other...

...So, I am cuddled up to my Macbook and this lovely beach coffee and hoping to get my journaling and blog caught up with this hectic life of mine.

And if you didn't know already, coffee is always better at the beach.

Here Lately

I've been trying to get back into the swing of things.

Back to work and back to my business.

Life is good and busy, and I'm so ready for fall to show up.

Here's a little photo diary of what I've been up to.

There are reminders of camp everywhere. No exaggeration whatsoever.

 Spent some time celebrating little Owen who will be here soon!

I've gotten well-aquaited with an old friend.

 Spent some time with some friends playing one of my favorite games.

Went out with some friends to celebrate.

Got twisted up playing some more games. 

 Had a slight case of writer's block.

Went crusing to enjoy this beautiful weather. Fall, come soon.

Spent a little free time painting up a storm.

I've gotten to know Skype very well.

There's a handsome man I see on there quite often.

Hope you enjoyed a look into my 'lately.'

Have a great week.

Dome Cones, Penskes & 3am's

I'm not even sure where to begin this post.

I've tried to write about the last three months over and over and nothing seems to bring it justice.
It's truly difficult to put this summer into words.

I started on this journey on May 23rd, unaware of what was before me. 

 I arrived in Georgia and met the 22 other people I'd be spending the summer with.

I had no idea what was before me. I spent the next two weeks nose deep into material, meetings, and trying to take in and prepare what God had planned for me.

After our time there was finished, we headed out on our summer.
Nine weeks stood before us.
Twenty three people, two vans and one Penske truck.

I had no idea at the time,
but this summer would play out to be the best summer of my entire life.
I learned so much about myself.
I went away with twenty two great friends.
I worked harder than I have ever before.
I ministered to children and families.
I shared Jesus all day, everyday.
It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever experienced.

It would take me days to tell of the countless children, stories, good times and memories
that the last 3 months of my life hold. They are truly a blessing from God and I'll never forget them.

All in all, our God is so extraordinary.
It's not me, it's Him. He is the one who does all good and works through me.
My summer was extraordinary because of Him and I can never thank Him enough.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
-Ephesians 3:20-21